Hi all,

I test drove a 2005 380 VRX this morning, while driving it the time to change gears seemed like a long time, even the gf thought so too. So much so, that the time to change gears took longer than my 95 TS V6si with 206,000kms on it.

The VRX has 85,000 kms on it, is this normal or should I look at having it inspected before a purchase, if I purchase it.

Certainly not normal. Check if its had a transmission flush if theres a service book.

No worries, I'll check with them on Monday. DOes $15k sound reasonable for a 2005 VRX with 85,000kms on it? I should be able to bargain it down a bit. But what would be an expected price? I can get a Series 2 DB SX for $13k with 67,000 on it.

For a 2005 model, I would be expecting around 13-15k, depending on condition.

Checkout Carsales.com. That should give you an idea. Kms sound good on both. Both good choices.

Also depends on what extras it comes with.
Sunroof was a $2000 option (not standard), so would add $500 - $1,000 to the used price.
Similar for leather seats.
So for $15k with 85,000 kms on the clock I'd be looking for both of these, if either or both are missing then like Braedz says $13k is a reasonable price.

Also check if timing belt changed. Due at 90k-100k. or 5 yrs, can be between $600-$1000

Regarding the gear changes, the 380 (normally) has a very quiet and smooth gear change that is very seamless. Most of the people here reckon its one of the best autos in this size/class. So I'd say it would definately need a looking at, but for that age I guess a few little problems are to be expected.
But the kms sound good for the age (mine's a '06 with 87K). If you buy, get all the little problems sorted (no mods yet) and then save up for the big 100K service.

Ok, thats given me some good info.

I have a mate who can check the VIN number, which he did before I went int. Ex-Queensland government (Strange for a VRX?), but wasn't a write off from the floods. Also seems that my mate used to work at the same place the car is being sold.

How much would a 100k service cost usually? And should I have it done by a Mitsubishi service center?

As I said in another thread as well, the only thing that steers me away from getting a 380 is that I used my car for work as well, the running costs are going to be high, as has rego gone up too. It makes me look towards a 4 cylinder more for saving some money. But I don't feel comfortable in small cars.

Another question, can I make the height of the drivers seat lower? Fk me I could barely fit in the damn thing!

The big ticket item for the 100k service is the replacement of the timing belt.
Some dealers charge upwards of $600 for this, I had mine done two weeks ago by Portside Mitsubishi for $400.
That was just for the belt & labour, no replacement pulleys etc, they normally don't need doing until the second timing belt change at 200k.
Best to get it done by a dealer rather than a private mechanic, unless you know a good one who knows his Mitsu motors (like Mal, but he's in Melbourne!).
Can't comment on the cost of other 100k service items as I do/did them all myself!

My mechanical knowledge when it comes to fixing the car is changing the wiper blades and checking the oil and water :P I'll stick to building servers. My mechanics are good, although I'm not happy with the latest issue on the TS. They fixed the rear main and it was still leaking after, which they said they'd need a whole day for it to look at, and they'd better not be charging me.

I think I recall some claims of 100K services costing between $900 to $1300 for various dealers, but you don't have to go to the dealer for it. A good mechanic might be able to save you a bit of money off that.

Ok, thats given me some good info.


Another question, can I make the height of the drivers seat lower? Fk me I could barely fit in the damn thing!

My GT has electric driver seat with memory which is height ajustable

All 380s have electric height and angle adjustment for the driver's seat.

I could get the adjustment to go forwards and backward, and tilt. Just not up and down. I'll take a look second time around after I test drive some other stuff.

The lever you use for going forwards and backwards, you just push it down or up to adjust the height.

When I went up and down it adjusted the tilt :\

Test driving a 2007 Ford Focus hatch (35,000kms) tonight, and 2009 Ford Fiesta (16,000kms) once they get back to me.

You have to move the whole bar up, not just one end of it, if that makes sense. It's the same in my ASX. If you kinda put your first 3 fingers under the whole bar, then lift it up should bring the seat up. I find if you use your thumb on the middle of the bar to push the seat down does the trick too.

I don't think there was bar, just a tiny plastic thing on the side of the seat, and the leaver for the back rest to go back and forwards.

were you in a 380??

I could get the adjustment to go forwards and backward, and tilt. Just not up and down. I'll take a look second time around after I test drive some other stuff.

Tilt the front and the back up at the same time